Mikel Merino

arsenalARS
 • #23Center Midfielder
Nationality

Spain

Preferred Foot

Left

Birthdate

Jun 22, 1996

Age

29

Height

6'2"

Weight

183 lb

Primary Position

CM

Secondary Position

CF

Role

Creative Playmaker

Ranking

201stout of 577
Overall Grade61444th/577
Impact score6.584th/577
View full ranking list

Grades

Key Grades

This season

Overall
91st/137 MID
61
Passing
94th/137 MID
62.6
Fifty Fifty Duel
39th/125 MID
72.3
Shooting
32nd/116 MID
71.2
Tackling
78th/130 MID
62.6
Ball Carrying
104th/124 MID
56.6

Overall Grades by game

This season

View more

Metrics

Key Metrics

21
Appearances
1161
Minutes
4
Goals
3
Assists
View more

News

May 8, 2026

Remains out

Merino (foot) is nearing a return but out for Sunday's match against West Ham, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "No chance for the weekend, there's still a fair bit to do [in their recoveries]."

Analysis: Merino is not yet ready for action despite his boost in fitness over the past few weeks, as the midfielder will instead remain out and in recovery. He will now be left with three games to make a return this campaign, with two league matches followed by the UCL final. His best bet is to wait until the UCL final for a return and focus on recovery until then, especially with the World Cup ahead for him.

Apr 24, 2026

Close call to return this season

Merino (foot) is still eyeing a return this season, but his availability remains up in the air, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "It's a bit premature to say. He's evolving really well. He's really pushing every boundary that he possibly can. But it's a bit early to answer that question."

Analysis: Merino has been out for well over two months now and is keeping a return this season open, although it is in no way guaranteed. It appears he still needs a decent boost, as he has yet to join team training, with only a month left in the season. Even more important for the midfielder is his spot in the Spanish national team for the World Cup, probably not risking it too much if it means risking a further injury that prevents him from competing in the tournament.

View more

Explore more players

View Mathias Jensen, BRE, CM

Mathias Jensen

brentfordBRE• #8CM
View Morgan Gibbs-White, NFO, AM

Morgan Gibbs-White

nottingham-forestnottingham-forestnottingham-forestNFO• #10AM
View Youri Tielemans, AVL, CM

Youri Tielemans

aston-villaAVL• #8CM
View Jack Hinshelwood, BHA, AM

Jack Hinshelwood

brighton-and-hove-albionBHA• #13AM
View more

Select Player

Search and select a player to compare